San Diego County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Above-Ground Pools (2026)

The County PDS 379 handout defines a swimming pool to include in-ground, above-ground, and on-ground pools, plus fixed-in-place wading pools, whenever the water depth exceeds 18 inches. Above-ground pools therefore must be separated from neighboring properties by a compliant enclosure (minimum 60 inches high on the side facing away from the pool) and equipped with at least one additional safety feature, exactly as for in-ground pools. The County recognizes that the enclosure may be mounted on top of the above-ground pool structure: in that case, and where the grade is a solid surface such as a concrete deck, the maximum vertical clearance at the bottom of the enclosure may be increased from 2 inches to 4 inches. The same gate, gap, non-climbable-surface, and chain-link gauge/mesh standards apply, and any ladder or steps providing access should be addressed so the barrier is not defeated. Entrapment-avoidance rules for suction outlets also apply. A building permit from County PDS Building Division is required, and all barrier and safety elements must be inspected and approved before the pool is filled. Temporary or inflatable pools that hold water 18 inches or shallower fall outside this definition, but owners should confirm depth and configuration with PDS.